RESEARCH NOTES #17

LEXIS SEARCHING TIPS

1. Choose the correct database

• Use the database of databases called GUIDE

• Read the GUIDE DESCRIPTIONS for the database chosen

2. Formulate a search

• Natural Language: Not the best searching method (Relying on a hidden search algorithm allows the system to make assumptions and decisions about your search unknown to you that will change your results.)

OR

• Terms and Connectors: The better method (This method gives you complete control over your searches.)

  • The system will automatically create plurals (Besides the normal s and es plurals, the system will also automatically search for some irregular plurals (e.g. mouse - mice, woman - women, etc.).)

  • Use universal expanders (e.g. ! or *) (! (exclamation point) is the unlimited number of characters expander; * (asterisk) is the one character expander)

  • Be mindful of possible prefixes & suffixes when using expanders (e.g. auto! will return auto and automobile, but also automatic and automation.)

  • Choose your terms carefully

    • Use terms-of-art, when relevant, as part of your search to help limit the use of common terms. (e.g. fiduciary duty, strict liability)

    • Avoid using commonly occurring terms, unless using Segments (e.g. corporation, tort, legal, law suit, liability, etc.)

3. Use Segment limitations

• All documents are divided into parts called Segments. (Limiting your search to just a single Segment can dramatically reduce the number of spurious returns.)

• Check the number and types of Segments available before searching a database.

  • Segment limitations formatting: Segment name, no space, and then the search terms within parentheses (e.g. name(smith and brown) ). (New Jersey cases use the following Segments (CITE, COUNSEL, COURT, DATE, DISPOSITION, FULL-NAME, JUDGES, NAME, NUMBER, OPINIONS, OUTCOME, WRITTENBY) )

  • Date limitations (Acceptable formats include date(m/d/yyyy) and date(mm/dd/yyyy) (there is no need for a zero before single digit months or days).

  • Name Segment for the parties name searches

    • Use the and connector between the names (Format name(roe and wade) NOT name(roe v. wade) )

  • Use the Judges and Counsel Segment limitations (Format judge(sabatino) and attorney(belli) If the last name is common add the first name attorney(melvin w/2 belli) )